Spotted Wobbegong

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:A squat-bodied shark with a large flattened head and fleshy beard.

COLOR:A well-camouflaged shark. It is pale with a meshwork of darker narrow lines and spots.

SIZE:About 4 ft [1.2 m].

TEETH:Enlarged very sharp fang-like teeth.

HABITAT:Tropical inshore reefs and tidepools.

DISTRIBUTION:Western Pacific, including New Guinea and northern Australia.

BIOLOGY: Prey – Bottom fish and invertebrates

Reproduction – Ovoviviparous.

BEHAVIOR:General – The shark is nocturnal; it rests on the bottom by day and prowls the reef at night, clambering about using its paired fins.

DISPOSITION:Usually unaggressive unless provoked.

Danger to humans – Divers have approached and photographed the shark by day without inciting aggression, but it has bitten waders and fishermen in tidepools. Treat with caution because of its formidable dentition.